Ex-governor’s Supporters Defy Police Ban

Police in Kano, North-West Nigeria became helpless this evening as supporters of former governor of Kano state and presidential candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, flouted police orders barring political processions.

The ANPP supporters staged a colourful procession and rally to herald the return of Shekarau from Saudi Arabia where he had gone to perform the lesser Hajj.

The streets of Kano were agog as supporters in cars, on motorcycles and pedestrians rent the air with shouts of “Sai Malam” .Adorned in white tea-shirts with green caps to match, ANPP supporters, mostly youths held maize, the party’s symbol with pictures of the former governor who is also the Sardaunan Kano.The procession was, however, peaceful as no violence was recorded as at the time of filing this report.

Clad in white traditional regalia and turban, the Sadaunan Kano arrived his residence arrived his residence at Mundu Bawa quarters in Bompai area of Kano metropolis at 5p.m.

He did not speak to reporters.His close associate who was the former Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Ibrahim Ahmed Yakassai told P.M.NEWS that Shekarau was pleased over the rousing reception he got from his supporters.“You have seen for yourself that we are very peaceful people. This is also to show that Sardaunan Kano remains popular and loved by his people. This crowd you see here turned out on their own instinct and to show their affection for a man that so touched their lives for the eight years he steered the ship of Kano state. We are very happy and we commend security agencies for their efforts to ensure peace and order.”

Police in Kano last Monday enforced section 227 of the Constitution, suspending political rallies, processions and meetings of such kind. The state commissioner of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris said the measure was taken to stabilize security situation in the state, as well as to ensure peaceful return of the former governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau. “Giving security situation in the country and the likelihood of some hoodlums and miscreants to take advantage to disrupt the peace and tranquility in the state, the Command hereby directed that all rallies, processions be suspended forthwith.” “We are not living in normal time as everybody who wishes this country well will try his best to help the security agencies to ensure lives and properties are properly secured. When you are dealing with security issues, you have to look at things from a far-reaching, holistic manner. “Our measures are aimed at giving a crack to any opportunity that could be seized by unscrupulous elements and enemies of the state to cause havoc. We all are aware that it is not everybody that wishes this country well.”

By Madu-Jerry Nnmeribe\Kano